Child Protective Specialist
About The Position
The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. The Division of Child Protection is seeking Child Protective Specialists for borough offices in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens. Specialists investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect and assess children’s immediate safety and risk of future harm. Based on case circumstances, they may take immediate action to protect children. Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor and Child Protective Manager, and with moderate latitude for independent action and decision making, the Child Protective Specialist works with families under investigation, conducts safety interventions and assessments, determines whether allegations are supported, and coordinates services or legal action when needed. The role also includes maintaining computerized case records. Candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and pass a test demonstrating English language proficiency. Candidates for Assignment Level II must meet the additional experience and progression requirements described in the posting. The selected candidate will be offered a salary of $58,984.00.
Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.
- Pass a test demonstrating English language proficiency.
- To be appointed directly to Assignment Level II, have one year of satisfactory child protective casework experience in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications.
- For progression to Assignment Level II, satisfactorily complete six months of training and experience at Assignment Level I.
- For the stated salary progression, complete one year of satisfactory experience at Assignment Level II and satisfactorily complete the probationary period.
- File for, take, and pass the next Civil Service examination for the title of Child Protective Specialist when it becomes available, to avoid being bumped from the position when the eligible list is established.
Responsibilities
- Use social work and investigative skills with families being investigated for child abuse or neglect.
- Initiate investigations and safety interventions in response to allegations of abuse or neglect.
- Meet families in their homes within 48 hours of receiving a report, or within 24 hours when immediate danger is suspected.
- Interview and assess all children for safety.
- Interview parents or caretakers, alleged subjects, household members, and collateral contacts.
- Make a safety assessment of children in the family immediately when required or within seven days.
- Participate in family meetings or conferences with the family or other support systems.
- Determine whether abuse or neglect occurred based on the investigation within 60 days of the report.
- For indicated cases with ongoing service needs, assess risk of future abuse or maltreatment, arrange services, and work with the family to address risks to the child.
- Work with ACS legal staff to file Family Court petitions when required for supervisory oversight of the family or removal of children.
- Collaborate with contract agencies to provide preventive or foster care services when appropriate.
- Enter and maintain computerized case information.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
